Juan Manuel Marquez Still Has Some Fight Left: But Against Who?

Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KO) has said in the past few weeks that he wants to retire in disgust of not being able to best Manny Pacquiao in yet a third close battle. Trainer Nacho Beristain says otherwise.

According to Boxing Scene, Beristain says that Marquez "can do at least three more fights, maybe four and that includes Pacquiao."

Beristain also liked the idea of Pacquiao-Marquez IV being held in Texas at the Cowboy Stadium where a huge Hispanic population would await Marquez to cheer on the Mexican boxing hero.

My Two Cents

Interesting bit of news. If Marquez truly will consider three other fights aside from his Pacquiao showdown, maybe I can suggest five fights to choose from.

Why five? Cinco de Mayo (yeah, early celebration, huh?) or maybe I just like the number five to help inflate this article long enough to be considered a decent read.

I don't know, but here are my five favorite picks for Marquez's next ring foes outside of Pacquiao. 

5. Robert Guerrero

Good fighter, smart and a southpaw. Guerrero (29-1-1, 18 KO) is a nice fighter at lightweight. Marquez could face him at that weight class or make him move up to junior welterweight (140 lbs).

By remaining at junior welterweight, Marquez stays at his current physique and can improve his bod for whenever he finally meets up with Pacquiao again for a fourth battle.

The extra conditioning could mean all the difference, and Marquez could definitely take Guerrero to school despite his steadily increasing skill set.

4. Brandon Rios

Rios (28-0-1, 21 KO) is a beast. He fights at lightweight (135 lbs), yet could easily walk into the ring weighing like a junior middleweight.

Marquez would have a challenge with his size and aggression, yet the ol' counter-puncher would likely pick him off bit by bit by reeling him in, only to string him together into a new weight class.

3. Amir Khan

Khan is the current IBF and WBA world champ at 140 lbs. Khan is a very talented fighter with quickness and growing talents. Marquez doesn't want to be used as a stepping stone for a young, bright star.

But Marquez has already proven he can take Pacquiao to school, so why not face a young man in a new division where he can earn two world titles in one fight?

2. Timothy Bradley

Bradley (28-0, 12 KO) is a force to be reckoned with, with the most interesting style. He's a boxer, but he's aggressive and throws an aggressive amount of punches that can throw anybody off.

Bradley vs. Marquez will have to be a great fight. Bradley is slick, fast and tough. He also owns the WBO junior welterweight title. Bradley could beat Marquez and ascend the pound-for-pound rankings.

1. Erik Morales

Erik Morales (52-7, 36 KO) is a Mexican legend just as Marquez is. What better way for both men to further cement their careers than to go against each other at junior welterweight?

The winner gets their much-desired rematch against the man each of them claims to have beaten, Pacquiao.

Unlike Marquez though, Morales actually as a "W" next to the initial meeting he had with Pacquiao, winning by unanimous decision.

Pacquiao can wait—a fight like this could sell out the Cowboy Stadium in Texas and prepare the Mexican fanbase for Marquez's return to the venue afterwards, when he'll most likely pursue a final Pacquiao bout before retirement.

Morales vs. Marquez. Marquez vs. Morales. Ahh...that fight would be amazing. Dear boxing, please sign that fight. Amen! I'm done.